Fulham V Arsenal – Match Preview

Arsenal wrap up their season this weekend with a short trip across London to Fulham.

Mark Hughes’s Fulham are sitting eighth after last weekend’s 2-0 away win over Birmingham City. The Cottagers are on course for a place in the Europa League next season, placed second in the fair play league, behind neighbours Chelsea who have already qualified for the Champions League.

Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday. This meant Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Stoke on Tuesday saw City leapfrog the Gunners into third place, by a single point. Positioned second last month and still in the title race, Arsenal have now slumped into fourth and face the prospect of an unwanted Champions League qualifier next season.

The Gunners still seem shell-shocked that since winning the FA Cup in 2005, the trophy cabinet has remained empty. That disappointment was highlighted in Carling Cup final defeat against Birmingham City, a team that go into their last game of the season possibly needing a win over Tottenham to maintain their Premiership status.

Arsenal have a great record against Fulham and boast the best away record in the top flight this season. Arsène Wenger’s men will be looking hoping to maintain these statistics, ending another trophyless season on a winning note.

Team Injuries

Fulham:

Damien Duff – Achilles injury

Diomansy Kamara – Back injury

Arsenal:

Laurent Koscielny – Thigh muscle strain

Samir Nasri – Hamstring Injury

Johan Djourou – Ankle/foot injury

Gael Clichy – Hamstring Injury

Cesc Fabregas – Thigh muscle strain

Lukas Fabianski – Shoulder Injury

Head to Head

Matches played: 15

Fulham wins: 2

Draws: 2

Arsenal wins: 13

Fulham goals: 8

Arsenal goals: 33

Fulham home form this season:

Won 8 Draws 6 Lost 4 Goals 18

Arsenal away form this season:

Won 8 Draws 6 Lost 4 Goals 18

Last three fixtures between both sides:

04/12/10 Arsenal 2 Fulham 1

09/05/10 Arsenal 4 Fulham 0

26/09/09 Fulham 0 Arsenal 1

Match Facts:

Fulham have never drawn their last game of the season in the top flight and also have yet to have a player sent off this season